The "Not Too Young To Run Act"
Not Too Young to Run: A New Era for Youth in Politics If you're old enough to vote, you're old enough to run for office. That’s the powerful message behind Nigeria’s Not Too Young to Run Act, a transformative law that has lowered the age requirements for key political offices, giving young Nigerians a stronger voice in governance and leadership. Signed into law on May 31, 2018, the Act amends the age qualifications previously set by the 1999 Constitution. Here's what has changed: President: Age reduced from 40 to 30 years Governor: Age reduced from 35 to 30 years Senator: Age reduced from 35 to 30 years House of Representatives: Age reduced from 30 to 25 years This shift opens the door for more young leaders to not just participate in democracy, but to lead it. It empowers the younger generation to bring fresh ideas, creativity, and energy into public service—qualities that are urgently needed in today’s rapidly changing world. The Not Too Young to Run movement is more than...